Use dry shampoo for volume!

Katie R., one of my dear friends from college is getting married down in the Hill Country in November. She asked me to style her hair and do her makeup for the big day, and I said yes, honored that she asked me.  So this past Saturday she came into town for a quick hair and make-up rehearsal. I took a couple of before and after pics that I will share.  Katie is a beautiful canvas, which made my job easy!

Before

After

She prefers a natural look and typically only wears make-up for special occasions.  Her hair, straight and silky, is gorgeous but presents the problem of holding curl.  One of first questions she'd asked me was about using dry shampoo on the day of the wedding.  She'd heard that day-old hair works better for up styles but she would rather have fresh, clean hair on her wedding day. 

About dry shampoo:  Ladies who use it know that this stuff rocks!  I have long hair... have I mentioned I'm a working mom? Dry shampoo makes it possible for me to keep my long hair. I do NOT have time to wash my hair every day. In fact, I wash it every 3 days!  Tresemmé Fresh Start is a good inexpensive product and Sebastian Dry Clean Only is my favorite professional product. There are many options out there: I have a friend who uses Not Your Mother's Clean Freak and swears by it.  No matter which one you use, you'll find that applied on three days dirty hair, DS (dry shampoo) strips away excess oil while infusing it with floral crisp aroma.

So, I had good news for Katie.  She could wash her hair AND we would still use dry-shampoo.  Why use dry-shampoo on clean hair, you ask?  Because the dry shampoo provides a texture base to set the style.  Stylists often tell their clients not to wash their hair when getting an up style. And while hair that is slightly dirty seems to hold better, some women are uncomfortable with not washing their hair on the day of a big event, especially if they tend to have oily hair.  DS creates the big V as in olume, just what a gal needs on her wedding day!  Texan women know a lady would be committing a cardinal sin if she had flat hair on the big day. Don't think of dry shampoo only as hair refresher, but also as a product that will create volume and provide a base for backcombing.  DS will give Katie the best of both, staying power with volume AND clean hair for the honeymoon. I mean, a gal doesn't want her new hubby running his fingers through greasy hair!

Another tip to create volume: after applying DS, roll hair using Velcro rollers!  (Marci G., you got me on this one, I know!)  Wrap sections of the hair around a heated styling wand, then while the strands are still warm, wrap them around large rollers and pin.  Apply your make-up while the rollers set, and then unroll.  Voila--A voluptuous coif that even the Kardashians might envy.

For more info check out The Beauty Department's blog on the topic.

Another Cute Invitation

Blessed. 

The Lord has blessed me with the most wonderful friends and I'm honored and grateful to have these beautiful women in my life.  In fact, they have been hard at work preparing to throw my showers next weekend, and I just can't wait!   In keeping with my vintage theme, Tiffany hand made the most adorable invitations, each one being different. 

My apologies for the glare on the pic, but you can still see the gorgeous work of Tiffany Norris.  She did an excellent job on the invitations!  They are perfect! 

~Truly, Cinderella

The Invitations

Now that the invitations have been sent,  I must share them with you.  The talented Mrs. Lindsey Jones Overman created all aspects of the invitation, informational info, and RSVP with the simple request the design be inspired by The Little Chapel, with a touch of vintage. 

 

Our venue is absolutely divine; literally, breathtaking.  I fell in love with this historic chapel, from the stained glass windows and wooden pews, to the archway and lanterns hanging from above.   In fact, I asked Lindsey to showcase the lanterns on the invitations, and she did precisely that.

Matt and I really like that our invitations are unique, and they were half the price of traditional invitations.  Lindsey sent the finished design to a local print shop and we had them printed without all the extra overhead.  Perfect!  

Remember those talented friends; oftentimes they are pleased to showcase their work.  They are usually happy to help, especially if you're willing to lend a hand when they're in need. 

~Truly, Cinderella

Flat Belly Diet

Though it's probably going to take a knife, an operating table, and a experienced plastic surgeon in order for me to have a flat belly, the diet is definitely working!  http://flatbellydiet.prevention.com/  I have lost a total of ten pounds, and after fifteen more, I will reach my goal weight!  Everything fits better, some clothes are too big, and as Mickey D would say, "I'm lovin it!" 

Zumba is also amazing!  If you're like me, working out has always been a chore; a necessary evil.  But now I've finally found something I love!   In fact, I like it so much I attend at least three classes per week, and some weeks I attend four.  Zumba is my crack and those fantastic instructors are my dealers!  I'm telling you, if you haven't been to Studio 57 http://www.studio57fitness.com/, then GO!   Bren, Karen, Josh, Hillary, or one of the other wonderful teachers will have you shaking your booty and jiggling your jiggle right off!  Well, at least, the bad jiggle. :)

After much thought, I may just Zumba down the isle, and have brown rice and tomatoes served at the reception!  Go Zumba!  And Happy Flat Belly dieting.

~Truly, Cinderella

Boutonniere

Flowers=Money, and lots of it! 

As much as I would love to have Jeff Leatham http://www.jeffleatham.com/ do my flowers, I must be realistic and cut some of the blooming budget!  In a previous post, "Centerpieces, a true story of vintage," I sampled the centerpiece, sans flowers.  Today, I address the gentleman's adornment.  Where creativity is my muse, unconventional is my merit, thus bringing a fresh take on a old tradition, the boutonniere. 

Feathers.  Pheasant feathers, red feathers, and a button to complete the look.  

The groomsmen are wearing chocolate brown suits with ruby red vests, ties, and pocket squares.  Matthew will wear a champagne tux, vest and tie, but sport a red pocket square to match his men.  

And I believe the feather boutonniere will complete the look.  

Against the brown...

Also a lighter background, like Matt's suit.  

I think this flows with our theme, especially the old buttons, which came from my Nana's old button collection!  

What do you think? 

~Truly, Cinderella

48 Days

Countdown to the next chapter of my life:  

Marsi Married.

48 days /2 = 24

24 hours /2 = 12 hours

12 hours before our wedding= 10 pm

10 pm= current time

I'm doing so well in the area of commitment, I believe I will commit to blogging.  

Goal: Blog everyday until the big day.  

See you tomorrow,

~Truly Cinderella

Centerpieces, a true story of vintage.

Helen was born in 1909 on a little farm in Texas.  She was number seven out of eight kids and the older kids named her Bay because the youngest boy couldn't say baby.  Of course,  Daisy was born a couple years later making her the official baby in the family but Nana kept the name.  She moved to Los Angeles at the age of seventeen, looking for something more than the dust bowl.  She worked at the first drive-in, the Twin Barrels, which according to Nana, all of Hollywood's finest came to visit.   Not only did the rich and famous stop in, so did Wally, the first husband.  He came to see "his" Helen every day for months, and for months he asked Nana to marry him.   She said no until she couldn't say no anymore.  She was shy, and fresh off the farm, and didn't know what else to do.  The depression, a bleach job, a thirtieth birthday and a miscarriage later,  they divorced.   They were married thirteen years.  Once she had time to heal, she met her soul mate, Al.  He had been married twice before, and she would be his last.  Nana told him, "your stuck," and he was more than happy to be stuck with her.  At some point they left California, lived in New Mexico, and then made there way back to Texas.   They were married forty years and as he drew his last breath on this earth, she was there, holding his hand.  Today, she lives in the house they spent their days together.   In fact, the second story of her home is like a museum.  She has collected many things over her lifetime, things I use to see as junk but now I see as beauty.  Old pictures, and hatboxes fill the closet, while antique pieces fill the bedrooms.   It's a wonderland of vintage, and Nana was kind enough to let me use some items for my wedding/reception.  

In fact, Nana's picture is the inspiration for the centerpieces at the brunch reception.  Originally, I planned on using antique trunks filled with coffee beans, ribbon, fabric, and flowers, but now I want to use old pictures instead of the flowers.   Not only is this a more personal touch, it's also more cost effective.  Nixing some of the flowers will definitely save money!

I like it but it feels incomplete.  Maybe I should leave out the feathers....or arrange items differently.  I don't really know.  Any Ideas?  

One final thought; my Nana will probably not attend the ceremony because of the distance involved, but nonetheless, her presence will be felt.   She is an inspiration to me and my daughters, and she will be missed.  However, her essence, her history, and her era will be woven throughout our ceremony.   

~Truly, Cinderella 

What a Deal! Dancing, Donuts, and a DJ

It was a gorgeous Sunday in Hickory Creek; the sun, bright and warm, beamed down on our smiling faces.  Crape myrtles, bursting with vibrant white blooms welcomed us around the neighborhood, all the while birds provided the melody for our early afternoon stroll.   Matt and I, holding hands, basked in our true love in passing train tracks, shady trees, and main street.  And in the parking lot of retirement home, we danced.  Yep, in the middle of the day, in front of a busy street, time stopped and transported us to an empty dance hall where Matt and I were alone, together.   We hummed our song, She's Everything by Brad Paisly and practiced our two-step for the first dance.  It's the kind of moment a person never forgets, including the drivers passing by!  They must have thought we were crazy, and maybe they're a little bit right.  We're crazy in love. 

This began my fantastic Spring break week!  I had many a task to cross of my wedding to-do list while I was in the Denton area.  First of all, I wanted to check with the baker making my doughnut cake.  To save money, we are not having a traditional wedding cake.  Instead we are having donuts placed on a tiered cake stand, but to give it a unique twist I ordered a specialty knot topper. (Cake something like this:)

I called Chris at Gourmet Donuts (Denton) to see if he would make a model topper for me.  Basically, I want two donuts linked (like rings) to place on the top of the stand.   Chris and his dad, Yung are the nicest guys, which is why I picked this family owned donut shop, and they agreed to make the sample, free!    Here is what they made:

Great job, but not exactly what I want.  I really like the knot in the middle but it looks more like a noose than wedding rings.  I think the sides should be more round in shape.  Next time I'm in Denton, I must remember to run by the shop to discuss.  At least we're on the right track.  For the groom's cake we are going for a more traditional style.  It will be a squared two-tiered cake made of red velvet with Bavarian creme filling.  Matt is still deciding on the toppers.  Maybe golf, maybe a monogram, not quite sure, but Stephanie at the Candy Haven  www.candyhavenandcakes.com is making it.  They are known in the North Dallas area for making beautiful, delicious cakes.  Yummy!  My mouth is watering while typing this.  Hmmm, maybe a cupcake is in order this afternoon.  Oh, i forgot project thin is still underway, so I better not continue the cake talk.   Moving on...

I found a remarkable deal for DJ services.  Loren Norris for That guy Rocks http://www.thatguyrocks.com is providing the music and announcements for our brunch reception.   He agreed to do the three hour reception for a very reasonable price, which frees up my ipod for pre-wedding primping only.  Thank the Lord.  I can just see the nightmare unfold as I try to control the music, while greeting our guests, sipping mimosa's, and dancing with Matt!  No go.  Using this DJ, we can choose our play list via the web!  Perfect for control freaks like me!  Sign contract: check.   


And the wedding plans continue on...

~Truly, Cinderella

Bridal Countdown: PROJECT THIN!

3 months. 

  Three months of bridal, get fit, tan, and tone before the big day!  Why does every bride insist on losing weight before their wedding?  Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Adkins, South Beach, even the cookie diet give hope to all those betrothed to the fitted, strapless dress.  Believe me, the list of diet plans are endless and I've done them all!  In fact, this last week I created my own combination of South Beach/ popcorn/ chai tea diet.  I call it the Miami Movie Latte diet.  Brilliant. 

  In my dreams, or Marsi's World as my friends refer to it,  I will be a size 2, complete with boob job and tummy tuck.  I will pause outside the chapel door, before gliding, without jiggle, down the isle in absolute skinny perfection.  After seeing my rockin, hot bod, my sweetie will pick his jaw up off the floor, just before he faints across the alter.  Right?

  You know, it's not like our guys are Shallow Hal and haven't seen our true bodies.  I mean, I know I must look like Kate Beckinsale through those goggles but when the goggles come off Matt still loves me, for me.   Nevertheless, all confidence is forgotten when I put on that strapless dress, complete with complimentary back fat!  Back to Jillian's 30 day shred for me!  http://www.jillianmichaels.com/

 Along with Jillian's grueling work-out routine, I'm doing Zumba!  I flippin LOVE Zumba!  It's a great work-out and so much fun.  For those of you who may not know, it's a combination of Latin dance moves, like the merengue, cumbia, and salsa, along with other rhythmic dance moves.  I'm taking classes at Studio 57 http://www.studio57fitness.com/ with the talented instructors Bren,  Karen, and others.

  However, all of this exercise doesn't really matter if I continue to cheat on my diet, oh wait... I mean healthy living lifestyle program.  In 2010, diet it a bad word, but come on, really... let's just call it what it is.  Seriously, do you know of a "healthy living lifestyle program" that allows you to eat Burger King croissant sandwiches?  Yeah, me either.  But that is precisely what I did yesterday.  

Confessions of the slightly chubby (sounds better than fat) bride-to-be;

  My daughter's school is near the fitness center.  After dropping her off at 7:40, I decided to wait in the gym's parking lot until class started at 8:30.  I had my TIME mags ready to keep me occupied, and then it occurred to me.... I have panty lines.  Yep, I was wearing tights with full coverage Vicki's (Victoria Secret) briefs.  I forgot to put on the appropriate panty choice for tight clothing before leaving the house!  I didn't want to drive all the way back home  just to turn around and come back.  What's a girl to do?  I must take the panties off.... but where.  The gym wasn't open yet, my car does not have tinted windows, and there are not a lot of businesses open at 7:45 in the morning. 

  After contemplating the problem, I came up with this TERRIBLE solution.   Drive across the street to Burger King, use their restroom to change, and return to gym parking lot.  Now, I don't like using a business restroom and not purchasing something.  I think that is rude, and of course, I can't be rude.  I approach the counter to buy a bottle of water, and walked away with a bottle of water and...

a croissant sandwich.  

  OK I think, mistake made but my dear friend Natalie will meet me soon and we'll half it.  Then I ate it, ALL of it.  Immediately, I felt regret, and entered the gym with a loaded belly, a guilty conscious, and a happy heart.  Happy because I burned off the calories of the croissant sandwich in Zumba.   I'm not perfect, but I'm trying, and that's half the battle.  

Keep trying,

~Truly, Cinderella

Honeymoon Wishes

Our honeymoon is booked! I told my teenage daughter this morning and she asked, “Maui, Europe?” And I said, “Braces. No we can’t travel to Europe, we have to pay an orthodontist. Fort Lauderdale! And I’m so very excited about it!” And she replies, “Cool.”


Not quite the response I was hoping for, but what more can one possibly expect out of a teenager. At least I got a cool. Cool is actually pretty good. A nod would have translated to ok. And an “oh” would have meant no bueno. I’ll take cool. And yes, when I think Fort Lauderdale I think Golden Girls, or worse yet, Girls Gone Wild. But I think they really have spruced it up down there in the Sunshine state. I’ve been to Miami and absolutely loved it, so I think Fort Lauderdale will be nice. And how did we choose Fort Lauderdale, you ask? For all you money savvy brides out there, I’ll dish.


Like I’ve said before, we are paying for the wedding ourselves. {wedding + money= 0 honeymoon} After making our wedding plans we thought a honeymoon simply wasn’t in the budget. But we realized that we needed that time to bond, without kiddos, and relax after all the hubbub of wedding. And we knew it would be a very long time before the just two of us take a trip again. So the question became, “how can we make this work?” And if there is one thing I enjoy, it’s problem solving.


First problem solved: Free flight anywhere Southwest flies.   Matt and I both have frequent flyer miles. http://www.southwest.com/


· We want surf, sand, and sun, leaving us California or Fort Lauderdale.
· Matt called his travel agent at Drifting Sands Travel for ideas. http://www.driftingsandstravel.com/  Marianne  was wonderful and worked with us to find many great resorts with good prices.
· We booked four nights at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa http://www.diplomatresort.com in Fort Lauderdale for right around $700. FABULOUS!
· I registered us at http://www.honeymoonwishes.com/  We both have plenty of stuff, so this is a great option for guests who would like to buy us a gift. Maybe we’ll get an extra night, or amenities from our registry. Some couples have had their entire honeymoon paid for by gifts from friends and family. Super!


Honeymoon, check. One more thing we can happily cross off the list. I hope other brides on a budget will find a way to have a special honeymoon with their sweeties.


TIPS:

1. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! You can’t just book the first thing you find; you really must shop around and do your homework. 
2. Always utilize those connections. If we couldn’t make the beach thing work then we planned on heading to a friend’s lake place for the week. She was very kind to offer it to us, and then we still could have our sand and sun. 
3. Just Ask.  Whether your speaking with your travel agent or a wedding vendor, don't be afraid to ask for a great deal.  The worst thing they can say is no.  

Most importantly, remember what matters, you’re celebrating your beginning. As long as your together, enjoying each others company, then your honeymooning. Whether that may be a beach, a city, Europe, or Maui. Happy planning,


~Truly, Cinderella 

Westin Diplomat Resort

Truly, Cinderella

I’m obsessed!  Wedding plans have taken over my life!  My poor, sweet finance’ must listen to wedding talk 24/7!  Bless his heart, he never complains and is always good to help me work through ideas.  In fact, he’s so good that after listening to me stress about all the upcoming due dates, and appointments, he customized a spreadsheet for me.  Now everything can be listed in excel in it’s proper category.  Reason 528 why I adore him. 

We have mailed the Save the Dates and now are working on invitations.  The Save the Dates turned out simply fabulous, thanks to the incredibly talented team of Matt and Katrina Ballentine.  http://www.ballentinestudios.com/  Not only did they take the engagement pictures, Matt Ballentine, talented graphic designer, styled the photo magnets.  They completed captured out nostalgic view.  Super job! 
I must share

 Our invitations have been created by another oh-so talented graphic designer, Lindsey Overman.  One Tuesday morning I shot her an email describing a bit of what I wanted.  We are marrying at the historic Little Chapel in the Woods, and the gorgeous lanterns hanging from the ceiling became my inspiration for the invitations.  After sending her pics of the chapel and reminding her of our elegant, vintage theme she shot over the most perfect invitation, all complete by lunchtime!  Incredible.  She customized a design better than I could have asked for.  This girl should have her own marketing/design firm.  Once they have been mailed I will upload a pic so everyone can see.  

And as a last order of business; last night I went to the Technorati site http://technorati.com/ to look for other wedding blogs, and I stumbled on another Encore Bride.  In fact, that is the name of her blog.  She has some great ideas and links on her blog, that I plan to pan over later. 

Truly, Cinderella

Second chance wedding etiquette

October 4th, 2010. Matthew proposed and I said yes with all my heart and soul. He is the man I should have began life's journey with long ago, and even though I made a wrong turn I'm blessed to have the opportunity to begin again at the new intersection of love and forever. On June 5th I will say I do again, but time without reservations.

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I believe encore brides want their second wedding to be perfect, all of it! Maybe even more so than other brides because it’s our “re-do.” It’s our second and hopefully for most, our last chance to get it right. Also, encore brides must be careful to keep all matters in good taste. There are just some things an older, second time bride must or mustn’t do that our younger first-timers can. Let’s discuss etiquette.

White, or not?

The predominate thinking today is encore brides may wear white if they so choose. It’s your day, and you should wear what you want. Personally, I think an ivory, beige, or champagne color is more appropriate. It appears more elegant and sophisticated for the encore bride. You want grandma saying how beautiful you look in the dress, not saying aloud “why is she wearing virgin white?” And what about the headpiece? Avoid the veil, and most certainly a blusher veil, which is a symbol of virginity. Choose instead a tiara, flowers, ribbon, or feathers….get creative with accessories for you hair!

Your names, in black and white. Should we announce our engagement in the local paper?

Yes, if you so choose. If having an engagement party wait to announce it in the paper until after the party. Typically an announcement appears two to three months before the wedding. If you, as a couple are paying for the wedding and would like to announce your engagement then go for it. Especially for the older bride with children it seems silly to write: Mr. and Mrs. Smith (parents of the bride) of anywhere, TX announce the engagement of their daughter….etc.

• Instead you may word the announcement: The engagement of Ms. Sarah Grace Smith of Anywhere, Texas to Mr. James Richard Grey of Anywhere, Texas has been announced. Ms. Smith graduated from Texas Tech University and is a market analyst with Cullin and Company. Mr. Grey graduated from the University of Texas and is a graphic designer with Cellio Advertising. A September wedding is planned.

• If you prefer a more informal announcement: Sarah Grace Smith and James Richard Grey are happy to announce their engagement. A September wedding is planned.

Last word: in the age of social networking sites a newspaper announcement is not necessary, but it’s still fun to see your name and photo in print. It’s your time to shine, embrace the spotlight!

It’s raining toasters. My friend wants to throw a bridal shower for me. Is that alright?

Yes, if you live in a different town, or have different friends, or did not have one the first time around. As long as your last shower was before Wedding Crashers became your favorite movie, you should be ok. It’s just a nice way for friends and family to honor your new beginning. And if a bridal shower seems too formal, then have a couples shower. If you have enough stuff, register for a honeymoon. There are some great sites out there.

Should I wear a condom veil?

No, but most definitely have a bachelorette party! I’m all about having a good time with friends, and what better an excuse than celebrating your new “married filing jointly” status. Maybe leave the condom veil for younger, first time brides, (still a bit tacky) and exchange for a palm wand. Spankins anyone? Kidding but seriously; we are encore brides, not nuns! Have a ball, because after all, it’s the last time you will have a bachelorette party.

Well, that is enough etiquette for one day. We’ll revisit this discussion at a later date, and until then….happy planning.

Truly, Cinderella